Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Mission

The mission of the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Services is to provide professional preparation of master’s level students with the knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This mission is achieved through various instructional, clinical and other programmatic activities.

Program Curriculum

The rehabilitation and mental health counseling curriculum is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and focuses on preparing professionals for employment in a diversity of rehabilitation and mental health settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Locate, read, evaluate and apply professional and academic literature to practice.

Integrate counseling theory, research and practice into professional settings.

Demonstrate continuing professional development*.

* Coursework from the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program may be used in preparation for becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC in Montana).

Program Outcomes

The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MSCRMHC) program at Montana State University Billings (MSUB) is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). The program has recently initiated application for dual program accreditation in clinical rehabilitation counseling/clinical mental health counseling by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The program has an open enrollment policy, admitting 20-25 students each year. Program retention rate has been over 80 percent during the last 3 years. On average, 50 students are enrolled and 14 graduate each year from the program. Average time to complete the program is 6 semesters. Student learning outcomes are assessed at multiple points, using multiple measures for each of the CORE-CACREP based knowledge and skill domains. Students/graduates of the program taking the national certification examination (CRC) had a pass rate of 86 percent. Starting AY 2014-2015, the program will have four full-time, tenure-track faculty and four part-time faculty who teach the CORE-CACREP based curriculum.

The estimated cost for tuition and fees to attend the program (based on 9 credits per semester) is approximately $2,500 for in-state residents and $4,500 for out-of-state residents. Available types of financial aid include student loans, graduate/research assistantships and tuition waivers, and scholarships.

The employment rate for program graduates is over 90 percent within the first 6 months of graduation. Graduates of the program have found employment in state and federal agencies, community based rehabilitation and mental health centers, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, schools and universities, and other private and public social service organizations.

How to Apply

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Studies by the current graduate catalog deadline dates. No applications will be considered until all required information arrives at the Office of Graduate Studies. Application materials include:

Completed MSU Billings Graduate School Application.

Application essay. The essay will be no more than four typed pages, double-spaced, and answer the following questions: Why have you chosen this career path? What strengths or assets do you bring to the program? How have your personal experiences influenced your decision to pursue a career in the counseling profession?

Current vita or resume.

Complete, official transcripts from all institutions attended.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide an evaluation of the applicant’s potential as a graduate student, professional abilities and potential for success in the field of counseling.

Official notification of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test.